Energy impact on agriculture feature of Gin Show seminar

The broad impact of energy on agriculture will be the focus of a special seminar at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show, scheduled for Feb. 29-March 1 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

“Energy: Changing Agriculture and Its Future,” to be held Saturday, March 1, at 1 p.m., highlights the informational seminars offered this year to those attending the event sponsored by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation.

“Energy is changing everything,” says Tim Price, SCGA executive vice president and show manager. “It affects the crops we grow and is changing our future through increased demand for bio-based energy products.

“This seminar will address both areas and provide farmers crucial information on how to respond.”

Speakers for the special session include H.W. “Kip” Butts, who is senior analyst for Informa Economics and a member of the firm’s Energy Services, conducting analyses for energy products.

Also on the program will be Tommy Foltz, president of Foltz Company. He is a 15-year veteran of the alternative energy industry with experience at the U.S. Department of Energy; Clean Fuels Strategies; Blue Energy & Technologies Company; and the Texas Campaign for Clean Transportation.

Other speakers representing industry, government and other energy sectors have been invited to participate, Price says.

A top draw for visitors to the 56th annual show, which features more than 400 exhibitors from 48 states and five foreign countries, will be the two new cotton harvesters with on-board module builders from Case IH and John Deere.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer farmers the opportunity to see these innovative new machines on display for the first time under one roof,“ Price says. “It’s exciting to be able to showcase these revolutionary machines and offer farmers a first look at cutting-edge technology that can help them meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

The Mid-South’s largest indoor farm event, co-sponsored by Delta Farm Press, will include farm equipment manufacturers, specialized services, the latest in seed varieties, and new technologies in precision farming software and services.

Farmers and other show attendees will also have access to market outlook information at Ag Update seminars Friday and Saturday mornings, beginning at 8:30.

The Friday session will include outlooks from Carl Brothers, Riceland Foods, and Joe Nicosia, Allenwood Cotton, and cotton industry insights by Larry McClellan, the new chairman of the National Cotton Council.

At the Saturday morning session, Richard Brock, Brock & Associates, will provide his unique insight and grain marketing advice, as well as information on the economy and political landscape.

Exhibit hours for the show are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Visitors to the exhibit areas are eligible for prizes to be awarded each afternoon, including $4,000 in attendance prizes awarded daily.